Abstract: A printer performs printing by transferring ink of an ink ribbon on which a plurality of color inks is sequentially arranged to paper, and the printer includes a paper conveyance unit configured to convey paper, an ink ribbon conveyance unit configured to be driven by the same drive source as that of the paper conveyance unit and convey the ink ribbon only in a printing direction, and a detection unit configured to detect a marker for detecting the top of color inks provided on the ink ribbon, wherein a marker of a specific color ink of the ink ribbon includes marker pieces, the number of which is greater than that of the other markers.

Abstract: The disclosure discloses an ink ribbon having a dimension in a thickness direction, comprising a ribbon base layer, a first layer, and a second layer. The first layer is disposed adjacent to one side of the ribbon base layer in the thickness direction, and includes a solubility parameter value greater than or equal to 7 and less than or equal to 9, and is configured to separate from the ribbon base layer. The second layer is disposed on the one side of the first layer in the thickness direction, and includes a solubility parameter value greater than or equal to 7 and less than or equal to 9, and is configured to stick to a transfer target.

Abstract: An ink ribbon includes: a base film having lengthwise shape; a plurality of ink coat regions formed on the base film side by side at intervals of a predetermined distance in the lengthwise direction of the base film; and sensor marks formed on the base film between the ink coat regions to be used to detect the beginning of each of the ink coat regions. The plurality of ink coat regions are constituted by repetition of the regions in a predetermined number of different colors, and the sensor marks are constituted of ink coats of colors selected from the predetermined number of different colors.

Abstract: Selectively printing full and fractional sized images with a donor ribbon. A first print order and indicia are printed while the donor ribbon is advanced through the printer. Printing is performed using donor material on a first fraction of the patch set when the print order requests a fractional sized image, or on a full patch when the print order requests a full sized image. When a second print order requests a fractional sized image, a determination is made whether the second fraction of the patch set is available for printing. An image based upon the second print order is printed using donor material from the second fraction of the patch set when it is available, or the donor ribbon is advanced to the next patch set when it is determined that the second fraction of the patch set is not available.

Abstract: A ribbon sensor includes a first and second emitter and a receiver. The first emitter is configured to transmit a yellow light signal and the second emitter is configured to transmit a blue light signal. The receiver is configured to produce an output signal in response to the transmission of the yellow and blue light signals through a panel of a print ribbon, wherein the output signal is indicative of a color of the panel. Additional aspects of the present invention are directed to a printer that includes the above-described sensor and a method of using the sensor to identify colored ribbon panels.

Abstract: A gradation correction data used in correcting the gradation of the printed image is recorded on the leader film of the ink ribbon in a form of optically readable marks. Then the ink ribbon is set in a thermal printer, the marks are read out by an optical sensor to obtain the gradation correction data. Then, the gradation correction of the image data to be printed is carried out by referring to the correction data thus obtained prior to the actual printing of the image data.

Abstract: An impact printer such as a line printer having a base with a hammerbank mounted on the base driven for reciprocal movement. The hammerbank has a plurality of hammers with printing tips formed on frets in two longitudinally oriented rows defining an upper row and a lower row. A permanent magnet with pole pieces retains the hammers until a coil overcomes the magnetic retention. A print ribbon is impacted by the printing tips of the impact printer such as a line printer against a print media. The print ribbon has a first longitudinal high strike zone of ink of greater print yield with a low strike zone of lesser print yield on either side of the first zone. The print yield can be a factor of ink viscosity, pigment content, fabric content, fabric composition, or dye features.

Abstract: A ribbon for a thermal printer has a series of frames of different colors in a sequence that are correlated to the position of cards to be printed. The ribbon has indexing marks for each frame and also indicators for each repeating sequence of frames. The index marks are arranged in a line across the ribbon and the marks can be coded to individually indicate the color or other characteristic of the frame associated with the line of index mark. This information is received by a controller to control various printer functions.

Abstract: A ribbon for a thermal printer has a series of frames of different colors in a sequence that are correlated to the position of cards to be printed. The ribbon has indexing marks for each frame and also indicators for each repeating sequence of frames. The index marks are arranged in a line across the ribbon and the marks can be coded to individually indicate the color or other characteristic of the frame associated with the line of index mark. This information is received by a controller to control various printer functions.

Abstract: A method for improving print quality of an identification card printing system is provided. In the method, heat is applied to a primary image portion of a thermal print ribbon corresponding to a primary image. Heat is also applied to a remainder portion of the thermal print ribbon defined as a portion of the thermal print ribbon that extends beyond the primary image portion to at least one lengthwise edge of the thermal print ribbon. In this manner, the thermal print ribbon is substantially uniformly heated across its width thereby reducing uneven stretching of the thermal print ribbon and improving the quality of the primary image that is ultimately transferred to a substrate. Also provided is an identification card printing system that is adapted to implement the above-described method.

Abstract: Thermal printer donor media element (10) with a single track of code including sequential code segments (30). The present donor media element (10) includes sequential color patches (12, 14, 16) which form multiple color groups (18) located along the length of the element (10), and the code segments (30) are arranged in corresponding repetitive groups located adjacent the color groups (18), the sequential code segments including fields of encoded data representative of at least donor media type, and color and location of successive ones of the color patches (12, 14, 16). Apparatus for detecting and reading the encoded data include a single sensor (38) and a processor (44) operable for accurately completing incomplete or incorrectly detected data.

Abstract: The invention concerns a thermal printing ribbon for an office printer and bearing a sequence of coloring areas (3-7) that serve to print a picture in at least one printing zone onto a printing support sheet of specified format. The formats of the consecutive coloring areas (3-7) that serve to print a printing zone are substantially sub-multiples of the format of the printing support sheet but significantly different one from another.The invention is appropriate for color printing by thermal transfer.

Abstract: In a thermo-tape unit (1) having a supply reel hub (2) and a supply roll (5) of thermo-tape (6) wound on the supply reel hub (2), the thermo-tape has at least one marking stripe configuration (14) at least in its leading area (8), which configuration comprises at least one marking stripe section (15, 16, 17) having a given section dimension (L1, L2, L3) in the longitudinal direction (L) of the thermo-tape (6), and at least one characteristic of the thermo-tape unit (1) is encoded by means of this section dimension (L1, L2, L3) of the marking stripe section (15, 16, 17).

Abstract: A gradation correction data used in correcting the gradation of the printed image is recorded on the leader film of the ink ribbon in a form of optically readable marks. Then the ink ribbon is set in a thermal printer, the marks are read out by an optical sensor to obtain the gradation correction data. Then, the gradation correction of the image data to be printed is carried out by referring to the correction data thus obtained prior to the actual printing of the image data.

Abstract: A recording unit is formed by successively adhering layers of ink donor film of differing colors to each other. A bottom layer is adhered to an image receiving sheet, along a top edge of the recording unit. The image receiving sheet is longer than the ink donor films. In order to print a color image, the bottom ink donor film is layered onto the image receiving sheet, while the rest of the ink donor films are flipped away from the image receiving sheet. The layered film and sheet are fed from a print starting position through a thermal transfer printer that feeds and prints the film and sheet in a forward direction to a print termination position, and then feeds the film and used sheet in a reverse direction to the print starting position. The used film is removed, the next film layered onto the image receiving sheet, and the process is repeated until all the ink donor films have been used.

Abstract: A nonimpact printer accommodates ribbons of selected panel types such as y, m, c and black thermal transfer or dye diffusion, precoat, overcoat, and the like, or combinations thereof, on which ribbon identification data is recorded in terms of the number and disposition of such panels, optimum operating parameters and the like. Each ribbon also contains markers identifying sets of panels of different types, individual panels within such sets, and incremental positions within such panels, and the printer is designed to read such markers and record the movement of the ribbon therethrough. Means are also described for fabricating combination ribbons that employ more than one of the various nonimpact technologies. In addition, the printer records by several different means the ribbon positions at which a ribbon has been in use and provides means for moving the ribbon to unused portions thereof.

Abstract: Thermal printer adapted to detect end of dye donor web by use of light beams. The printer includes a dye donor web supply spindle having a light-reflecting surface thereon. A dye donor web is wound about the spindle, the dye donor web having a predetermined number of substantially transparent color patches therein. A light source disposed near the dye donor web emits an incident light beam containing a predetermined first color penetrating the dye donor web. A portion of the incident light beam that is unabsorbed by the color patches passes through the patches of the dye donor web and is intercepted by the light reflecting surface which reflects the incident light beam. The reflected light defines a reflected light beam that passes through the dye donor web on its way to a detector disposed near the dye donor web. The detector detects the reflected light beam.

Abstract: A printing unit header finding mark PH1 is formed at the head of the color ink areas Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black). Color header finding marks YH, MH, CH, and KH which are respectively formed at the head of the color ink areas Y, M, C, and K have a predetermined length in the longitudinal direction and do not overlap with the printing unit header finding mark PH1 in the ribbon width direction. The head of the printing unit and the color ink areas Y, M, C, and K are accurately detected in accordance with the output of two sensors 2A and 2B. One of the marks PH1, YH, MH, CH, and KH has a length which varies in a manner which indicates the diameter of the ribbon wound on one of the supply and the take-up reels.

Abstract: A color thermal printer using an ink sheet having a set of three or four colorants coated or printed so as to correspond to a print area with sensor marks arranged at boundaries between the colorants. In the color thermal printer, a plurality of sensors are disposed within a print width of a thermal head and downstream from a heat line of the thermal head in an ink sheet forward direction by a predetermined distance. When the sensors have sensed the sensor marks, the ink sheet is rewound by the predetermined distance to cause the printing operation to be effected.

Abstract: A nonimpact printer accommodates ribbons of selected panel types such as y, m, c and black thermal transfer or dye diffusion, precoat, overcoat, and the like, or combinations thereof, on which ribbon identification data is recorded in terms of the number and disposition of such panels, optimum operating parameters and the like. Each ribbon also contains markers identifying sets of panels of different types, individual panels within such sets, and incremental positions within such panels, and the printer is designed to read such markers and record the movement of the ribbon therethrough. Means are also described for fabricating combination ribbons that employ more than one of the various nonimpact technologies. In addition, the printer records by several different means the ribbon positions at which a ribbon has been in use and provides means for moving the ribbon to unused portions thereof.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of a thermal transfer donor element having at least two areas of thermally transferable colorant, at least one of said areas being a thermal dye transfer composition and at least one of said areas being a thermal mass transfer composition, which process comprises coating a first thermal dye or mass transferable layer containing a colorant onto a temporary substrate to form a primary thermal transfer element, said layer having a measurable surface area, and either 1) thermally transferring less than all of said layer onto a second temporary substrate having a non-imagewise distributed area of a second thermally respectively mass or dye transferable colorant thereon to form a thermal transfer donor element with at least two areas of different thermally transferable materials, or 2) splicing a portion of only one primary thermal dye or mass transfer element onto another thermal transfer element having at least a non-imagewise distributed second thermal mass or dye, transferable, res

Abstract: A postage dispensing apparatus that prints a postage indicia using a two step process. A thermal ribbon is provided which has pre-formed images on a major portion of the thermal ribbon. A blank area is provided on the thermal ribbon so that an image is generated by a dot matrix thermal printer on the blank portion on a mail piece. The pre-formed images represent non-variable portion of a postage indicia whereas the images formed by the thermal printer represent variable data of the postage indicia.

Abstract: A thermal printing postage dispensing apparatus that is able to print a postage indicia on a mail piece in a secure manner. A thermal ribbon is provided which has pre-formed images thereon that are of a reduced size in the longitudinal direction. When the images are to be transferred to an envelope to print a postage indicia by a dot matrix thermal printer, the envelope is driven at a greater speed than the ribbon. This results in the indicia being printed on the envelope with a standard size. The preformed images represent the non-variable portion of a postage indicia; whereas, the variable data of the postage indicia is printed by a thermal printer in blank areas left by the pre-formed images.

Abstract: A sublime type thermal transfer printer uses an ink sheet on which a fixing agent of a sublimation ink is coated and thermally transfers the fixing agent of the ink sheet onto a plain printing paper first, then thermally transfers an image on the ink sheet onto the area of the printing paper where the fixing agent is transferred by subliming an ink coated on the ink sheet.

Abstract: An ink ribbon for a color printer is provided which comprises a plurality of full color image strip portions each provided for printing a full color image on one sheet of printing paper during printing operation, each full color image strip portion including a plurality of ink color blocks applied with color inks different from each other, and marks, printed on blank portions in front of the ink color blocks so as to allow a printing operator to determine the color of the ink color blocks and the number of the used full color image strip sections. The marks may alternatively be provided on side areas of or blank portions in the ink color blocks respectively.

Abstract: A drive control method for a thermal transfer printer adapted to carry out printing by melting a thermofusible ink of an ink ribbon and transferring the molten ink onto a printing paper. The ink ribbon is formed with a blank portion coated with no ink, which blank portion is formed between an ink layer and a mark for indicating the ink layer. Under the condition where the thermal head is spaced from the printing paper, the ink ribbon is moved to bring the blank portion into opposition to the thermal head. At this position, the thermal head is pressed through the blank portion against the printing paper. Then, the thermal head is moved relative to the printing paper and the ink layer, and simultaneously the thermal head is heated to transfer the ink of the ink layer onto the printing paper.

Abstract: The check protector comprises a print head with a plurality of parallel pins in a vertical line perpendicular to the direction of movement of the head. The ribbon in the check protector has at least two bands, one band being associated with half the print wires and the other band being associated with the rest of the print wires. In this manner, the amount on a check is imprinted in alternating bands of color to make alteration difficult.

Abstract: A printer apparatus including a slide assembly for advancing a receptor material and a ribbon material relative to a print head and platen for printing color images.

Abstract: A fabric ribbon having multicolored regions has coloring matter in the regions of only flushed pigments in a liquid vehicle. Flushed pigments do not migrate between colored regions under normal conditions, and therefore mixing of the colors is avoided without alteration of the fabric or use of a fabric with special characteristics or regions.Flushed pigments have very small article size and perform like dyes with respect to replenishing the ribbon for good ribbon life. Yet, the ribbon colors do not bleed together, a characteriztic of pigments.

Abstract: An overlappingly overstrikeable ink ribbon for matrix or needle printing systems is described having a carrier film and an ink-releasing coating, as well as optionally further conventional intermediate coatings. A rubber-elastic layer is formed on the needle impression side. A process for producing this ribbon is also described. This ribbon has many advantages compared with known ribbons. It protects the print head, withstands the needle pressure for a longer time due to the elastic layer and improves the printing definition. It can be produced by coextrusion of the starting materials of the carrier film and the rubber-elastic layer.

Abstract: A ribbon selecting mechanism for use with a printer comprising a ribbon cassette table on which a ribbon cassette for housing a ribbon is mounted opposite to a platen, said ribbon having plural color tracks formed thereon in the width direction thereof, a carriage movable along the platen, support arms each pivoted on the ribbon cassette table and the carriage at the upper and lower ends thereof to support the ribbon cassette table above the carriage, a drive mechanism having a drive plate to move the ribbon cassette table in the width direction of the ribbon, and a detent mechanism for stopping the drive plate at any of plural positions to oppose one of the plural color tracks to the platen.

Abstract: An ink ribbon cassette is removably mounted on a printer and coacts with a reciprocable printing head to effect a printing operation. The cassette has a case containing an ink ribbon, and a pair of arms extending in opposed relation from opposite ends of the case and having slits through which the ink ribbon extends to form an exposed ribbon portion in the region between the arms. A ribbon guide is slideable along a guide shaft mounted on the case and is releasably carried on the printing head to reciprocate together with the printing head during the printing operation for guiding the ink ribbon. The ribbon guide has sets of retaining claws which slidably engage lengthwise with the upper and lower marginal edge portions of the ink ribbon for restricting vertical displacement of the ink ribbon relative to the case while allowing lengthwise sliding movement of the ink ribbon.

Abstract: A recording device for thermal color recording of a medium having two color coupler layers on one side and another color coupler layer on the other side of a transparent support. The layer on the side with two layers and having the higher heat sensitivity is first thermally imaged and then optically fixed. Thereafter, the remaining layer on that side and the layer on the other side are thermally imaged.

Abstract: An impact printer has a print ribbon that is divided into horizontal colored strips to enable color printing. A printhead is mounted on a moving carriage that moves across the width of a printing medium upon which the printing is to be deposited. The print ribbon also moves relative to the carriage. A ribbon shift mechanism is configured to include a print ribbon guide, the ribbon shift mechanism being slideably mounted in the carriage to move in a vertical direction relative thereto. A wire matrix printhead is connected to the carriage and has a printing end adjacent the print ribbon. A gear shaft is positioned to engage the gear sections of a pair of racks that are connected to the ribbon shift mechanism and which pass through the carriage. When the gear shaft is turned, the racks are engaged which cause the ribbon shift mechanism, and the print ribbon, to move either up or down thereby presenting a desired color to the printing end of the printhead.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the thermal transfer printing upon a record medium utilizing a print ribbon so as to form a protective transparent layer over a printed area upon a record medium. The thermal transfer print film includes plural colored ink regions separated by transparent ink regions. The method and apparatus of the present invention thus provide for the initial printing via thermal transfer of the colored ink regions onto an area of the record medium. Subsequent alignment of a region of the transparent ink with the printed area on the record medium and selective operation of thermal print heads thus thermally transfers portions of the thermal transparent ink to the previously colored ink printed area to provide a transparent ink layer over the printed information upon the record medium thereby protecting the same.

Abstract: A ribbon control apparatus for a color printer has a cartridge holder to be installed with a ribbon cartridge supporting a color ribbon which has four color bands aligned to the lateral direction of the color ribbon, a carriage for supporting the holder movably in the lateral direction of the ribbon, and a drive section for driving the holder. The control apparatus further has a first detecting switch for detecting that the cartridge is disposed at an initial position, and a second detecting switch for detecting that the cartridge is exchanged. The drive section responds to a detection signal from the second switch to move the cartridge toward the initial position when the cartridge is exchanged, and responds to a detection signal from the first switch to tilt the cartridge to locate a previously selected color band of the ribbon relative to the printing head consistent with the location of the previous cartridge prior to its replacement.

Abstract: A transfer ribbon feed arrangement for use in a transfer type recording apparatus which transfers onto a recording sheet by sequentially feeding the transfer ribbon includes a feed roller disposed on the feed side of the transfer ribbon for feeding the transfer ribbon from the feed roller, a take-up roller for winding up the transfer ribbon around it and a tension unit disposed on the feed side of the transfer ribbon for applying a constant load on the transfer ribbon to keep it under a constant tension.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the thermal transfer printing upon a record medium utilizing a print ribbon so as to form a protective transparent layer over a printed area upon a record medium. The thermal transfer print film includes plural colored ink regions separated by transparent ink regions. The method and apparatus of the present invention thus provide for the initial printing via thermal transfer of the colored ink regions onto an area of the record medium. Subsequent alignment of a region of the transparent ink with the printed area on the record medium and selective operation of thermal print heads thus thermally transfers portions of the thermal transparent ink to the previously colored ink printed area to provide a transparent ink layer over the printed information upon the record medium thereby protecting the same.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying a newly re-coated continuous ribbon to a moving printhead carrier in a printer. The present invention is particularly adaptable for use in thermal printers having multicolored ribbons. The apparatus comprises a cartridge housing which is mounted on the printer frame, and which contains the ribbons. The newly re-coated ribbons exit the cartridge housing, become coupled to the moving printhead carrier, and then reenter the cartridge housing as used ribbon. The used ribbon passes a re-coating station where it is re-inked through contact with a donor ribbon and heated pressure rollers to become newly re-coated ribbon. A lift arm on the printhead carrier selects the desired colored ribbon which has been newly re-coated for printing.

Abstract: A printer for performing recording successively while a recording head moves backwards and forwards in a predetermined direction with respect to a recording medium such as paper. A paper hold roller for pressing the recording medium against a platen in the vicinity of a recording area opposite to a print head is detachable from the platen in relation to the movement of a carriage for carrying the recording head. The presence and absence of paper is detected to control the paper feed. An ink ribbon is provided which has color zones and an ink absorption zone in the direction of the ribbon width for multi-color printing by shifting the ribbon in the width direction by means of the carriage movement so that a selected color zone faces the recording head. The printer further includes a ribbon cassette, means for controlling paper insertion and feeding and means for cleaning the recording head. Also included are a paper bail control, color zone selector and paper detector.

Abstract: A color printer inludes an ink ribbon supporting frame mounted on a base unit swingingly about an axis parallel to a platen. A ribbon cassette comprises a cassette case for accommodating a color ink ribbon which has a plurality of different color longitudinal stripes so that at least a part of the ink ribbon forms a loop exposed from and extending to the cassette case. The ribbon loop is positioned along the platen and between a printing head and the platen, when the ribbon cassette is set on the ribbon frame. A ribbon guide is slidably mounted on a carrier for supporting the ink ribbon at a position adjacent to the printing head. The ribbon frame and ribbon guide are simultaneously shifted so that a desired one of color stripes of the ink ribbon is positioned on a predetermined printing line.

Abstract: A multi-color recording apparatus is provided with a feeding device for feeding a recording material of determined colors, a recording head for depositing the recording material supplied from the feeding device onto a recording sheet in a pattern corresponding to recording information a detector for detecting the color of the recording material supplied from the feeding device and a control for comparing color information contained in the recording information with the result of the detection by the detector and prohibiting the recording operation of the recording head when there is an absence of coincidence in the color of the recording material and the color information in the recording information.

Abstract: The present invention is equipped with a plurality of print buffers for inputting print data into a thermal head, wherein such print data are selectively fed to simply change the current on-time for energizing the heating elements of the thermal head relative to specific information out of the entire information to be printed, so that the specific information is printed emphatically in a particular color to become conspicuous, and simultaneously the contour of each specific character is edged in a basic color to be distinctly legible. Such edged print is attained by utilizing the gradient of the temperature distribution induced in the heating elements by the current on-time control system, hence eliminating the necessity of any edging print data to consequently simplify the control.

Abstract: An improved flexible leader for use in conveying ink ribbon from a ribbon box to the print point of a printer or typewriter is disclosed. The leader is a U-shaped channel with top latches which protects the ribbon from operator contact and provides good ribbon tracking. Vertical raised ridges on the insides of the channel reduce frictional contact between the ribbon and the leader. The leader is easy to install.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for printing patterns of information on a record sheet, wherein those selected out of a number of printer elements arranged in an array are actuated to heat selected ones of differently colored, recurrent colored sections of a variegated, heat-sensitive ink ribbon for producing dots of different colors on the record sheet during each of a predetermined number of dot printing steps of a line printing cycle.

Abstract: A multicolor ink ribbon cassette comprises a cassette case containing a multicolor ink ribbon having plural lengthwise extending stripes of differently colored ink. A transfer roller transfers differently colored inks supplied from the wicks of respective ink cartridges to the ink ribbon stripes as the ink ribbon advances lengthwise through the cassette case. To reduce the thickness of the cassette case, the ink cartridges are all disposed in a common plane in angularly spaced relation about the transfer roller. At least two of the ink cartridges have the same shape and are arranged in the cassette case in upside down relation with respect to each other.

Abstract: A color printer inludes an ink ribbon supporting frame mounted on a base unit swingingly about an axis parallel to a platen. A ribbon cassette comprises a cassette case for accommodating a color ink ribbon which as a plurality of different color longitudinal stripes so that at least a part of the ink ribbon forms a loop exposed from and extending to the cassette case. The ribbon loop is positioned along the platen and between a printing head and the platen, when the ribbon cassette is set on the ribbon frame. A ribbon guide is slidably mounted on a carrier for supporting the ink ribbon at a position adjacent to the printing head. The ribbon frame and ribbon guide are simultaneously shifted so that a desired one of color stripes of the ink ribbon is positioned on a predetermined printing line.